Chris Adam Selimovic in court for assault at The Avenue nightclub

A man who struck another man in the middle of a Glitter Strip nightclub claims he was provoked by ‘vicious’ comments made towards his partner. SEE THE VIDEO

A man who punched another man in the middle of a Surfers Paradise nightclub – knocking out several teeth – claims he was provoked by “vicious” comments towards his partner.

Violence broke out at The Avenue about 12.30am on July 16, where Chris Adam Selimovic and his partner had been enjoying a night out.

CCTV footage played in Southport Magistrates Court showed that after a brief exchange with two men – who were not known to him prior – Selimovic swings at one of them, hitting him in the mouth.

Prosecutor Gavin Reece said the blow knocked out three of the victim’s teeth, with their friend quickly hitting Selimovic in return. Both parties were soon evicted from the nightclub.

The court was told Selimovic’s criminal history included offences of violence or threatening violence.

Defence barrister Lucy Ferguson, instructed by Garde Wilson Lawyers, said the 51-year-old described himself as “getting angry ‘like that’ at a moment’s notice”, with several diagnosed conditions making it difficult to regulate his emotions.

Chris Selimovic (right) leaving the Southport courthouse beside barrister Lucy Ferguson. Picture: Jessica Paul

Ms Ferguson said the Victorian man claimed his victim and his friend had made “offhand” comments towards them earlier in the night - but one in particular had provoked the assault.

“The comment was, ‘Your wife is a whale – don’t take her to the beach, otherwise you’ll have to roll her in’,” Ms Ferguson said.

“It was quite a vicious comment made about someone that he loved that’s (drawn) that response from him.

“My client does accept he shouldn’t have acted that way … (and) is ultimately remorseful for the impact this has had on the victim.”

Magistrate Sarah Thompson told Selimovic that if not for this provocation, he would have been going to jail for the assault that had caused physical, psychological, and financial damage to his victim.

Selimovic pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ jail, wholly suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay $2000 in compensation to his victim.